McMurdo Navtex ICS 6 antenna

[hornblower]

My Navtex intermittantly failed to receive and steadily detiororated until it failed completely last year. We are in Croatia and no-one seemed to have any ideas until I showed it to an electrician who took the antenna apart and found that water had penetrated and the printed circuit had some corrosion.

Now i need to replace the antenna (or perhaps just the circuit) and am horrified by the price. Does anyone have alternative suggestions to McMurdo and will they be compatible?

Best,
Rob

 

[JerryHawkins]

I had a similar issue. The 'intelligence' is in the antenna so you don't have much choice but to replace, which I did. The good news is that the replacement has now split the antenna and the circuit board, which now lives in a seperate enclosure that can be located below decks.

 

[nigelmercier]

If the PCB is not damaged, then put it in hot (not boiling) water with a squirt of washing-up liquid. Agitate then leave to soak for half an hour. Rinse under a running hand-hot tap for several minutes, then soak in de-ionised water for a few minutes. Discard water, repeat twice. Dry with compressed air if possible, an aerosol is fine. Leave to dry fully in a warm place for several days.

 

[hornblower]

Thanks but it is clear that the pcb is beyond repair so it looks like the new antenna which now seems to be a stick type as opposed to the small "witch's-hat-shaped" thingy (for want of a better description), that I had before.

 

[hornblower]

McMurdo no longer support the NAVTEX ICS6 (since they have been taken over)

I had a similar issue. The 'intelligence' is in the antenna so you don't have much choice but to replace, which I did. The good news is that the replacement has now split the antenna and the circuit board, which now lives in a seperate enclosure that can be located below decks.

Can anyone advise where I can find a replacement antenna for my ICS 6 Navtex?

 

[DipperToo]

Try here >> http://www.icselectronics.co.uk/leisure/nav6

 

[pvb]

Can anyone advise where I can find a replacement antenna for my ICS 6 Navtex?

The new-style ICS antenna with separate receiver is about £200 from SMG. As an alternative, you might consider the Nexus NX2600 navtex antenna, which is £159 from JG Tech. Can't see why this shouldn't work with a Nav6 display, although whether it's more waterproof than the old Nav6 antenna is anybody's guess.

 

[JerryHawkins]

Can anyone advise where I can find a replacement antenna for my ICS 6 Navtex?

Here perhaps: http://www.yachtbits.com/ics_electronics/ics_nav_6_replacement_antenna_system_version_2_91609_2.php

This is an updated version of the one I got last year. Similar (big!) price, though...

 

[hornblower]

Thanks for that - actually I have discovered that there is now an upgrade and the price has increased to £235 - incredible for a simple radio antenna. I am awaiting the geeks answer as to whether the Nexus is compatible but its a good idea if it is - thanks again.
Rob

The new-style ICS antenna with separate receiver is about £200 from SMG. As an alternative, you might consider the Nexus NX2600 navtex antenna, which is £159 from JG Tech. Can't see why this shouldn't work with a Nav6 display, although whether it's more waterproof than the old Nav6 antenna is anybody's guess.

 

[prv]

incredible for a simple radio antenna.

But it isn't a "simple radio antenna". It's a radio antenna and a radio receiver and, I believe, a Navtex decoder. The display part of the system is just that, a display.

Pete

 

[pvb]

I am awaiting the geeks answer as to whether the Nexus is compatible but its a good idea if it is - thanks again.

If you ask ICS, there's a chance they might say no. I'd ask JG Tech - they're very knowledgeable and straightforward.

 

[hornblower]

OK - Thanks Pete, I stand corrected on the techy stuff; but it seems a bit steep when, as I understand it, the original antenna was so badly designed (subject to moisture penetration and subsequent damage beyond repair) that there is now good business being done selling replacement antennas to all those of us who are unfortunate enough to have been taken in by the McMurdo name. We paid £600 upwards for the kit in the first place and it was intended for mounting on a sailing yacht after all.

I cant help being a bit grumpy about this - sorry!

But it isn't a "simple radio antenna". It's a radio antenna and a radio receiver and, I believe, a Navtex decoder. The display part of the system is just that, a display.

Pete

 

[hornblower]

Thanks for the JG Tech recommendation - they were, as you said, very knowledgeable and seem straightforward - I have ordered the ICS replacement as they say no other antenna is compatible - ah well, its only money - boo hoo

If you ask ICS, there's a chance they might say no. I'd ask JG Tech - they're very knowledgeable and straightforward.

 

[prv]

We paid £600 upwards for the kit in the first place and it was intended for mounting on a sailing yacht after all.

I cant help being a bit grumpy about this - sorry!

Can't blame you for being grumpy

Does it help to know that I recently bought the display part for £40 second hand?

I'm going to have to pay full price (£200+) for the antenna and receiver, but they'll be the new type with the electronics below deck, and I'll have got the whole system for less than half price.

Sorry

Pete

 

[pvb]

Does it help to know that I recently bought the display part for £40 second hand?

Errr, doesn't help me, the Nav6 is on my wishlist.